tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65966480833626618472019-08-20T20:16:43.812-04:00Will Blog 4 BooksChristian Book Reviews, Christian Fiction, Christianity, Christian living, fiction, non-fiction, book reviews, readingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-72572240544346679862015-02-09T10:43:00.002-05:002015-02-09T10:43:52.607-05:00We're MovingThank you so much for reading my Christian book reviews here. I appreciate you. To help simplify my blogging life, I'm posting future reviews at <a href="http://www.christinabanks.com/">ChristinaBanks.com</a>. I'd love for you to follow me over to the new site where I'll be talking about that wonderful place where Fiction touches Life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-70597115796490248512015-01-30T00:00:00.000-05:002015-02-02T10:03:19.255-05:00Book Review: Emissary by Thomas Locke<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800723859.jpg?1415811051" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800723859.jpg?1415811051" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back&nbsp;Cover: </span><span style="color: #073763;">With his twenty-first birthday, Hyam begins a journey that will lead him to his destiny--or his doom.</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Hyam has always shown a remarkable ability to master languages, even those left unspoken for a thousand years. But now the shadow of suspicion that was cast upon him as a child prodigy at Long Hall is lengthening, and he must keep his identity hidden--or face annihilation.</span> <br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">As Hyam's mother slips toward death, she implores him to return to Long Hall before he settles down to farm his land. This journey born from duty becomes an impassioned quest for the truth. War is coming swiftly, and Hyam must rely upon his newfound powers and the friends he meets along the way in order to unravel the puzzling past and ensure that he--and the realm--will have a future.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My&nbsp;Review:</span></b> I don't read enough fantasy. It took me a while to understand what was happening in this novel but once I was immersed in the culture and world Locke created, I couldn't put the book down. Hyam is your typical fantasy hero. He's a farmer who discovers his parents aren't who he believed they were. He is force on a quest to right all wrongs and protect the good from the evil forces gathering in secret places. When I got to the end of this tale, I wanted to start right in on the next book in the series. Unfortunately, I have to wait a year before the next book comes out. Fans of <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> should really enjoy this novel. You can learn more about this novel and the series at <a href="http://www.tlocke.com/">Thomas Locke's site</a>.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I recommend this book to Tolkien fans and readers of fantasy.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S7lkEL3A8kQ" width="480"></iframe> <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-2072625226468642062015-01-23T00:00:00.000-05:002015-02-02T09:32:36.579-05:00Book Review: Mothering from Scratch by Melinda Means and Kathy Helgemo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764212642.jpg?1418325316" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764212642.jpg?1418325316" height="200" width="128" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back&nbsp;Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">Find Your Own Mothering Style</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Trying to follow someone else's rules for mothering can take the joy out of being a parent. But Mothering From Scratch shows you how to develop your own style that helps you be the best mom for your kids.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Full of solid biblical truth, this book will help you</span><br /><ul><li><span style="color: #073763;">explore your personality and examine your strengths and weaknesses in order to find what works for you</span></li><li><span style="color: #073763;">tap into the resources surrounding you and get mentoring and support from other moms</span></li><li><span style="color: #073763;">push past the fear of change or doing it wrong and allow room for grace in your mothering</span></li></ul><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Melinda Means and Kathy Helgemo provide a flexible, customizable approach to help you discover your optimal parenting style.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></b> Being a mom is hard enough without trying to live up to everyone else's unspoken rules for parenting. When I got married, I wanted to be the ultimate homemaker but I soon discovered that I hate sewing and detest cooking. I had to find the style of homemaking that fit my strengths and my family. Almost seven years later, I'm still figuring out what that means. When I was first pregnant, I had images of how motherhood would work for me. I knew my strengths as a teacher and my love for toddler and older children. I was unprepared for the child God gave me. My son has the makings of a great leader. He is driven, stubborn, and almost too intelligent. He has stretched me in ways that I didn't know were possible. More often than not, I've wondered how I would ever survive this thing called motherhood without damaging the precious child I've been entrusted with.<br /><br />Reading <i>Mothering from Scratch</i>&nbsp;gave me a glimpse into why I often feel over my head. When I try to run my home by following someone else's set of rules, I'm left completely defeated and all the joy gets sucked out of life. When I'm too busy, distracted, or overwhelemed to nourish my soul with the Word of God, I have nothing left to nourish the relationships my family. <i>Mothering from Scratch</i>&nbsp;isn't going to tell you how to raise your children or run your household, but it is going to show you how you can embrace your strengths and find the structure and "rules" that work for your family. Over and over I saw myself in the pages of this book. I've been through the struggles. I've felt the pressure to do more, preform better, and be what I perceive other mothers to be. The truth is, none of us are perfect. What we see on Facebook is often only the good times in other people's lives. Everyone struggles, but we don't have to be overcome with the struggles we are facing. There is hope that each one of us can be the best mom that we can be. But that will only happen when we stop trying to live our lives following another woman's blueprint. I'm learning to embrace my strengths and weaknesses. You can too.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I recommend this book to every Christian woman struggling silently with her role as a mother.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-78567729080722626222015-01-16T00:00:00.000-05:002015-01-31T11:58:54.336-05:00Book Review: Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764210372.jpg?1415803410" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764210372.jpg?1415803410" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back&nbsp;Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">He Stole the Work She Loved.</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">Will She Let Him Steal Her Heart as Well?</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">It's all her uncle's fault. For years Charlotte Withersby has been free to pursue her love of plants and flowers by assisting her botanist father. But now that she's reached the old age of twenty-two, an intrusive uncle has convinced her father that Charlotte's future--the only proper future for a woman--is to be a wife and mother, not a scholar.</span> <br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Her father is so dependent on her assistance that Charlotte believes he'll soon change his mind...and then Edward Trimble shows up. A long-time botany correspondent in the South Pacific, Trimble arrives ready to step in as assistant so that Charlotte can step out into proper society--a world that baffles her with its unwritten rules, inexplicable expectations, and confounding fashion. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Things aren't perfectly smooth between Trimble and her father, so Charlotte hatches a last gasp plan. She'll pretend such an interest in marriage that the thought of losing her will make her father welcome her back. Only things go quickly awry, and she realizes that the one man who recognizes her intelligence is also the person she's most angry with: Edward Trimble, her supposed rival. Suddenly juggling more suitors than she knows what to do with, Charlotte is caught in a trap of her own making. Will she have no choice but to leave her beloved flowers behind?</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></b>&nbsp;The voice of the main character comes out so clearly through this book. I love how Charlotte has no clue about social niceties and is blissfully unaware of her penchant for getting herself into awkward situations. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing 1850's English country society seen though her eyes. Filled with humor and social faux pas, this book also causes one to think about what a person should be willing to give up in order to live up to society's expectations. Charlotte loves her work with flowers. Botany is in her blood and she can't imagine a world without rambles, illustrations, and writing about plants. Unfortunately, in that day science was not considered a worthy pursuit for a woman. Mitchell did a fantastic job taking us on a journey with Charlotte as she discovers she is stronger than she knows and can bloom better when she embraces who she really is. Of course, it means she has to be frankly honest with everyone, including the man she's come to love.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I recommend this book to readers of historical romance and fans of Siri Mitchell.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-60214352159308434162014-12-30T00:00:00.000-05:002015-01-26T20:49:12.137-05:00Book Review: Thunder by Bonnie S. Calhoun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800723767.jpg?1415811014" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800723767.jpg?1415811014" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back&nbsp;Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">The Time of Sorrows is long past.</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">The future of Selah and her people is shrouded in mystery.</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">And the clock is ticking.</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Hidden in the tall grasses along a shore littered with the rusted metal remnants of a once-great city, a hunter crouches. It is the eve of her eighteenth Birth Remembrance and high time she proves to herself and her brothers that she can stand on her own two feet. Selah Rishon Chavez waits not for game but for one of the small boats that occasionally crash against the desolate shoreline. Because inside one of these boats she will find her quarry--a Lander.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">These people from an unknown land across the ocean are highly prized by the Company and bring a good price--especially if they keep the markings they arrive with. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Everything falls to pieces when the Lander whom Selah catches is stolen by her brothers, and Selah wakes the next morning to find the Lander's distinctive mark has appeared on her own flesh. Once the hunter, Selah is now one of the hunted, and she knows only one person who can help her--Bodhi Locke, the Lander her brothers hope to sell in the Mountain.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">With evocative descriptions of a strange new world that combines elements of disturbing scientific advances, devious political conspiracy, and survival in a hostile wilderness, Bonnie S. Calhoun weaves a captivating tale of a society more like our own than we may want to admit. From the tension-laced first scene to the captivating last page, Thunder is an epic journey into the heart of humankind that explores how far we are willing to go when we're pushed to the limit.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My&nbsp;Review:</span></b> Dystopian fiction is currently very popular with the rise of <i>The Hunger Games</i>&nbsp;and similar stories. Bonnie Calhoun gives us another look at what the future could hold 150 years after a nuclear holocaust. It's a deadly world where Selah lives. Women are expected to be completely subservient to men. Outsiders are captured and sold as slaves. Marauders fill the land and make travel extremely dangerous. Selah just wants to be accepted as a hunter like her brothers, but there are secrets and a destiny she can't escape. Calhoun makes the reader think about what lengths are acceptable to go to make our civilization "better." Honestly, this novel will leave you with many questions and leave you wanting more. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.<br /><br />To help set the stage for this novel, Calhoun has written a novella as a prequel to this story. Reading <i>Tremors</i>&nbsp;will help you get an idea about the world where Selah lives.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I recommend this book to readers of dystopian fiction.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zm0MVhls88Q" width="480"></iframe><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-40702129758733059952014-12-23T00:00:00.000-05:002015-01-25T21:53:43.365-05:00Book Review: Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764212376.jpg?1415810759" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764212376.jpg?1415810759" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back&nbsp;Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">1859</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">Presque Isle, Michigan</span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">What Is the Secret That Could Shipwreck Both of Their Lives?</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">All Emma Chambers ever wanted was a home, but when her steamboat sinks just outside Presque Isle, she's left destitute and with no place to stay.</span><br /><span style="color: #073763;">An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper arrives in town. He's just lost his wife and is having a difficult time caring for his child. So a traveling preacher gets the idea that the keeper and Emma might be the answer to each other's dilemma. After a hasty marriage, she finds herself heading to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger. Nothing in her aimless life, though, has prepared her for parenting a rambunctious toddler, as well as managing a household.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Emma soon suspects Patrick may be hiding something from her, and then she hears a disturbing rumor about the circumstances surrounding his late wife's death. It seems as if her wish for a home and family of her own could end up leading her once more into turbulent waters.</span><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My&nbsp;Review:</span></b> Who could put down a book that starts with pirates, a near death experience, and a marriage to a complete stranger? I couldn't. This novel is a fantastic start to Jody Hedlund's new Beacons of Hope series. I loved the threads of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances woven through the narrative. Little Josiah (the toddler in the novel) was a delightful and challenging addition to the tale. Having a young child of my own, I could identify with Emma's frustration and fear as she responded to his tantrums and antics. After reading this book I want to take a tour of the lighthouses on the Michigan coast. Perhaps I can talk my husband into it one of these days.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><span id="goog_253723183"></span><span id="goog_253723184"></span><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I recommend this book to readers of historical romance, lovers of Michigan history, and fans of Jody Hedlund.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-21518912651605040012014-12-16T09:28:00.000-05:002015-01-24T11:32:50.061-05:00Book Review: A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764211409.jpg?1415810130" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764211409.jpg?1415810130" height="200" width="128" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back&nbsp;Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">Abigail Stuart Thought She was Jeremiah Calhoun's Widow.</span></b><br /><span style="color: #073763;">But Jeremiah Calhoun Is Very Handsome, Very Alive, and Very Perplexed.</span><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Most Inconvenient Indeed.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">With few options of her own, nurse Abigail Stuart agrees to marry her patient, a gravely wounded soldier calling himself Jeremiah Calhoun. They arrange a quick ceremony before he dies, giving Abigail the rights to his Ozark farm and giving Jeremiah the peace of knowing someone will care for his ailing sister after he's gone--a practical solution for both of them.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: #073763;">After the war, Abigail fulfills her side of the bargain--until the real Jeremiah Calhoun shows up, injured but definitely alive, and wastes no time in challenging Abigail's story. Abigail is flummoxed. After months of claiming to be his widow, how can she explain that she's never seen this Jeremiah Calhoun before? How can she convince him that she isn't trying to steal his farm? And will she find a way to stay, even though this practical arrangement has turned into a most inconvenient marriage?</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My&nbsp;Review:</span></b> This book is brimming with trouble. Jennings captured some of the confusion of post civil war Missouri. It was enjoyable seeing how she got her characters out of the terrible predicament she put them into a the beginning of the book. This book is full of frustratingly funny instances. The children living near the Calhoun farm are a hoot and are constantly keeping everyone on their toes. I was frustrated at the number of times Jeremiah changes his mind about who he's going to marry. Honestly, I'm not sure I would have stuck around for his contradictory behavior. At the same time, sometimes the things we think we want are not the things we really need, as the character discover throughout the story.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I recommend this novel to readers of historical romance.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-79473084896038248072014-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:002015-01-23T09:45:28.575-05:00Book Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764210716.jpg?1415803705" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764210716.jpg?1415803705" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back&nbsp;Cover:</span></b> <span style="color: #073763;">Abigail Foster is the practical daughter. She fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry, and the one man she thought might marry her seems to have fallen for her younger, prettier sister.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Facing financial ruin, Abigail and her father search for more affordable lodgings, until a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll's house left mid-play...</span><br /><span style="color: #073763;">The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem acquainted with the manor's past, the only information they offer is a stern warning: Beware trespassers drawn by rumors that Pembrooke Park contains a secret room filled with treasure.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">This catches Abigail's attention. Hoping to restore her family's finances--and her dowry--Abigail looks for this supposed treasure. But eerie sounds at night and footprints in the dust reveal she isn't the only one secretly searching the house.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Then Abigail begins receiving anonymous letters, containing clues about the hidden room and startling discoveries about the past.</span> <br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger?</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></b> I am a huge fan of Julie Klassen's novels. <i>The Secret of&nbsp;Pembrooke Park</i>&nbsp;is a great story of mystery, family, and forgiveness. Of course, Klassen also wove in a very sweet love story. Pembrooke Park is shrouded in secrets and my desire to find the treasure kept me turing pages. At times, I was as frustrated as Abigail because it seemed that the answers were within reach only to have some roadblock keep us from full disclosure and discovery. I will admit, I correctly guessed where the story was going before the end arrived, but I was still eager to finish the tale and discover if I was correct. I was delighted with the one element that caught me by surprise. Klassen is a master architect when it comes to writing novels set in 1800's England. If you haven't read her books, you have missed some amazing novels, and <i>The Secret of&nbsp;Pembrooke Park </i>is no exception.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I recommend this book to fans of Julie Klassen and Jane Austen.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-65843900980427744302014-11-28T00:00:00.000-05:002015-01-19T14:58:16.373-05:00Book Review: Stolen - A True Story of a Sex Trafficking Survivor by Katariina Rosenblatt and Cecil Murphey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800723453.jpg?1415810620" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800723453.jpg?1415810620" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back&nbsp;Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">There is hope, even on the darkest of days</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Katariina Rosenblatt was a lonely and abused young girl, yearning to be loved, wanting attention. That made her the perfect target. On an ordinary day, she met a confident young woman--someone Kat wished she could be like--who pretended to be a friend while slowly luring her into a child trafficking ring. A cycle of false friendships, threats, drugs, and violence kept her trapped.</span> <br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">As Kat shares her harrowing experiences, her ultimate escape, and her passionate efforts to now free other victims, you'll see that not only is sex trafficking happening frighteningly close to home--it's also something that can be stopped. Stolen is a warning, a celebration of survival, and a beacon of hope that will inspire you.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My&nbsp;Review:</span></b> It is so easy to pretend we live in a world where horrible things can't happen to innocent children. Abuse is real and all around us. <i>Stolen</i>&nbsp;is a heart-breaking, yet hope-filled account of a sex trafficking survivor. While I think this book is an excellent read for church workers and parents, I would caution allowing children to read this book due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter. Reading this book opened my eyes to how easily children can be manipulated into a destructive lifestyle, especially those who have been abused. It strengthens my resolve to protect my son and pray for my nieces.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I recommend this book to parents and church workers.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-6479597808662340342014-11-24T00:00:00.000-05:002015-01-18T19:42:30.036-05:00DVD Review: Burning Questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/cbd/w163/3271bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/cbd/w163/3271bd.jpg" height="200" width="137" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">About:</span></b> <span style="color: #073763;">There are <i>Burning Questions</i>, the answers to which have profound implications because they effect so many other areas of life: for instance, whether or not life has meaning, purpose or hope. Yet, too often, attempts to talk about these questions are marred by a clash of fundamentalisms, by extremists (religious or secular) simply yelling or trying to outsmart each other.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Is there a better way to have discourse on these questions that really do matter? Join Dr. Andy Bannister as he tries to do just that - journeying across three countries - talking to a wide range of experts - people of all faiths and none - in search of some clarity. Whether you're a skeptic or a seeker, a doubler or a disciple, <i>Burning Questions</i>&nbsp;will encourage you to listen well, think deeply and to follow the evidence where it leads.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></b> A few weeks ago, my husband said something that really struck a cord. He said that before we can say "I disagree," we have to be able to say "I understand." When discussions touch and threaten our worldview, it is normal to shut down and get defensive. It is hard to actually listen and hear what an opponent has to say. What I love about this DVD series is how all views are presented in a respectful way. Too often we think about those who oppose our view as stupid, but through this series it is clear that there are intelligent people on all sides of the issue. I believe this series is a great conversation starter.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I highly recommend this DVD to anyone and everyone.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I received this DVD from Graf-Martin Communication for the purpose of review.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-43424981867617628792014-11-21T00:00:00.000-05:002015-01-18T18:44:37.548-05:00Book Review: The Woman Code by Sophia A. Nelson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800723880.jpg?1415811033" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800723880.jpg?1415811033" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back&nbsp;Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">Your Key to Unlocking a More Fulfilling Life</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Every woman lives by a Code, whether she realizes it or not. The Code is as old as time. It has been practiced for thousands of years, quietly, among the sisterhood of women. This Code is her road map to living, a guidepost residing deep within her spirit. It governs her romantic relationships, friendships, family ties, career choices, and personal sense of well-being and value. And when her Code is out of balance, her life is out of balance.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Drawing from her personal faith and from her experience in the business world, Sophia Nelson explores 20 keys to unlocking the life you want, such as:</span><br /><br />·<span style="color: #073763;"> Knowing your innate value and worth</span><br /><span style="color: #073763;">· Teaching people how to treat you</span><br /><span style="color: #073763;">· Making peace with your past</span><br /><span style="color: #073763;">· Learning to lead from within</span><br /><span style="color: #073763;">· Lifting other women as you climb</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">The Woman Code helps women to honor themselves while navigating the demands of work, home, family, and friendship. It not only calls on women to practice purpose in their lives, it shows them how to do it with grace.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My&nbsp;Review:</span></b> When I read the information about this book, I was excited to dive in. However, only a few pages in I realized this wasn't exactly what I had imagined. While the writing style is easy to read, I missed the scriptural backbone I enjoy in books like this. <i>The Woman Code</i>&nbsp;is excellent for those who are not interested in lots of God talk or being constantly confronted with scripture. There are a lot of great points made in the book and I can see it has great cross-over potential for the secular market.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-faHNixnnrV0/TKuBJ9_q8zI/AAAAAAAAAyI/uMVwlH7XalQ/s1600/2%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-faHNixnnrV0/TKuBJ9_q8zI/AAAAAAAAAyI/uMVwlH7XalQ/s1600/2%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I recommend this book to women who enjoy motivational books without too much Christian content.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-63232357680166541052014-11-14T00:00:00.000-05:002015-01-17T21:05:31.722-05:00Book Review: The Patmos Deception by Davis Bunn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764211393.jpg?1415810060" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764211393.jpg?1415810060" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back&nbsp;Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">An Ancient Island Holds an Ancient Secret . . .</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Nick Hennessy</b>, a young Texas journalist yearning for his big break, finds himself in Europe--his assignment, to investigate the alarming disappearance of invaluable Grecian antiquities. Nick has the credentials--and cover ID--to unearth the truth. And he knows just the researcher to help him...</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Carey Mathers</b>, fresh from her studies in forensic archeology, has accepted a job with the prestigious Athens Institute for Antiquities--a dream come true, really, particularly when the Greek isle of Patmos, where the Apostle John received his vision of the Apocalypse, was a particular focus of her research.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Dimitri Rubinos</b>, for whom the Greek islands represent his life, holds on by his fingernails to the family charter boat business. But his country's economic chaos isn't the only thing that has turned his world on its head...</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My&nbsp;Review:</span></b>&nbsp;Once again Davis Bunn delivers a novel full of suspense, mystery and intrigue. I could not put this book down. From the moment Carey landed in Greece and discovered there was no promised job, I was hooked. As the story unfolded more questions begged to be answered. I love the way Bunn weaves interesting historical facts into the narrative. I have an urge to visit Greece and see the beautiful places described between the pages. I do hope Bunn writes more books about these characters and the other ancient texts they will help preserve.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I highly recommend this novel to readers of romantic suspense, lovers of international intrigue, and students of ancient Christian history.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-14153115232253101772014-11-03T00:00:00.000-05:002015-01-14T19:18:34.882-05:00Book Review: A Promise to Protect by Patricia Bradley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800722814.jpg?1415810377" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800722814.jpg?1415810377" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back&nbsp;Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">In a steamy small town riddled with broken promises, one woman's secret could change everything.</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Acting Sheriff Ben Logan hasn't heard from Leigh Somerall in a very long time, but it doesn't mean he can get her--or their whirlwind romance of ten years ago--out of his head. When she calls out of the blue, it is with a strange request to protect her brother, Tony. But all too soon, Ben is charged with a different task--protecting Leigh from the people after her brother. With Leigh doing everything in her power to avoid Ben, it's no easy task. And the secret she is keeping just may change their lives forever.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My&nbsp;Review:&nbsp;</span></b>The opening lines of this novel were perfect! I was instantly hooked and had to know why this man was dying in a hotel room. <i>A Promise to Protect</i>&nbsp;is the much anticipated second book in the Logan Point series. One thing I really like about Patricia Bradley's books is the mystery element. While these novels are solidly romantic suspense, I am always left guessing who the mastermind is behind all the crimes. Then there is the issue of Leigh's decade old lie and how she will resolve it with Ben who can't stand any kind of deception. From the start of the book, I was swept away and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I highly recommend this book to readers of Romantic Suspense.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-8568472368634403492014-10-27T06:00:00.000-04:002014-10-27T06:00:00.386-04:00Book Review: Deceived by Irene Hannon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800721251.jpg?1405526201" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800721251.jpg?1405526201" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">A grieving mother. A mysterious child. And a dedicated PI who's determined to solve the puzzle.</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she's convinced it's her son. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating "accident" begins to look increasingly suspicious. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.</span> <br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">As Irene Hannon's many fans have come to expect, Deceived is filled with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a riveting plotline that accelerates to an explosive finish.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></b>&nbsp;Irene Hannon is one of my favorite romantic suspense writers, ever. I have been waiting for this novel to come out for far too long. <i>Deceived</i>&nbsp;is the third book in the Private Justice series. While the novel stands alone, I would suggest someone read the first two books in the series before this one. This story had my attention from the very start. The poor woman, Kate, not only lost her husband but also her son in a tragic boating accident. In the very first chapter, she believes she sees her son, now three years older, in a shopping mall in a different state. As a mother of a young son, I can only imagine the emotional anguish Kate was going through. Because of the involvement of a mother and son, I couldn't put the book down. I had found the perfect place to put the novel down for the night, but the story pulled me back out of bed. I can say it was worth staying up until after 2:00 AM to finish.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I can't recommend this book highly enough, especially to readers of romantic suspense.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-19619319318063341762014-10-24T21:04:00.000-04:002014-10-24T21:04:07.139-04:00Book Review: Playing by Heart by Anne Mateer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764210655.jpg?1393739717" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764210655.jpg?1393739717" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back Cover:</span></b> <span style="color: #073763;">Lula Bowman has finally achieved her dream: a teaching position and a scholarship to continue her college education in mathematics. But then a shocking phone call from her sister, Jewel, changes everything.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">With a heavy heart, Lula returns to her Oklahoma hometown to do right by her sister, but the only teaching job available in Dunn is combination music instructor/basketball coach. Lula doesn't even consider those real subjects!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Determined to prove herself, Lula commits to covering the job for the rest of the school year. Reluctantly, she turns to the boys' coach, Chet, to learn the newfangled game of basketball. Chet is handsome and single, but Lula has no plans to fall for a local boy. She's returning to college and her scholarship as soon as she gets Jewel back on her feet.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">However, the more time she spends around Jewel's family, the girls' basketball team, music classes, and Chet, the more Lula comes to realize what she's given up in her single-minded pursuit of degree after degree. God is working on her heart, and her future is starting to look a lot different than she'd expected.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></b> This book provides an interesting mix of mathematics, music, and basketball at the start of the 1900s. The thing I enjoyed most about this story is how the main character, Lula, had to come to understand what she wanted for her life, not just what other people want for her life. Lula is so afraid of becoming the person she's been teased about - the flakey girl who flits from activity to activity without finishing anything she started. But she's bound to disappoint someone when her father's dream for her to become the first woman PhD in Oklahoma collides with her siblings' desire for her to help care for her sister's family after the brother-in-law dies unexpectedly. As Lula works to care for others, she is able to hear the promptings of her own heart.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I highly recommend this book to readers of historical romance.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-81117109988657058352014-10-16T21:28:00.000-04:002014-10-16T21:31:55.455-04:00Book Review: The Marriage You've Always Wanted by Gary Chapman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fivelovelanguages-m0.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2013/12/TMYAW_Book_3D-245.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://fivelovelanguages-m0.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2013/12/TMYAW_Book_3D-245.png" height="200" width="120" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">About:</span></b> You can picture the perfect marriage in your mind, but re-creating it in reality doesn’t come easy. Trusted counselor and relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman reasons that the most sought-after ingredient in any marriage is true oneness. In <i>The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted</i>, he presents expert wisdom and common sense methods to establishing true unity on emotional and practical levels in marriage. Discover the wit and insight that makes his worldwide presentations and marriage conferences so popular. Are you trying to change your spouse? Do you know what it means to really love someone? Do you feel ignored or even alone in your effort to improve your marriage? Dr. Chapman has answers and action steps on topics from expressing your emotions to managing your money, all in a format that will have you and your spouse talking and learning with every page.<br /><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></b>&nbsp;I am a firm believer in taking time to read books about marriage. While my husband and I have a healthy relationship, I know the only way to keep it that way is to be actively working to improve what we have. <i>The Marriage You've Always Wanted</i>&nbsp;pointed out many of the things other marriage books focus on, but Chapman's writing style is easy to read. I like the "your turn" homework sections at the end of each chapter. The questions found there are great springboards for discussion and thought. Marriage is hard work, but it's rewarding work. <i>The Marriage You've Always Wanted</i>&nbsp;is a book for every married couple. Don't wait until your marriage is falling apart to do something to keep it together. Start now.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b>&nbsp;I recommend this book to every married couple whether you've been married a week or several decades.</div><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Moody Publishers.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-70398137486302694122014-09-29T00:45:00.000-04:002014-10-01T17:06:42.511-04:00Book Review: Tried and True by Mary Connealy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764211782.jpg?1393740288" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764211782.jpg?1393740288" height="200" width="128" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister--and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It's a risk--they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as "boys"--but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></b>&nbsp;I love the Wilde sisters! The antics of these three women are a hoot. <i>Tried and True</i>&nbsp;is the story of Kylie Wilde, the youngest of the three girls. Like her sisters, she pretends to be a man to claim her homesteader exemption for her service in the Civil War. Kylie is such a fun character to read about. She's the girlies of the sisters and I can't help but wonder how she survived her time during the war. The poor girl starts the story almost killing herself trying to fix her roof and her adventures just compound from there. This novel is a humorous and delightful read. I can't wait to read the next books in this series. From what I've learned of Kylie's sisters, I know I'll enjoy their stories as much as I did hers.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I highly recommend this book to readers of historical fiction set in the West.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-91655016197080196462014-08-29T16:12:00.000-04:002014-08-29T16:12:00.708-04:00Book Review: Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800722234.jpg?1395153508" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800722234.jpg?1395153508" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back&nbsp;Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">Kate's not sure how deep this deception goes--but she'll do whatever it takes to find out.</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money and can't believe that it came from her sweet elderly neighbor. Or that it has landed her in the middle of another of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation--and one that strikes too close to home for comfort. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">As family secrets come to light, her world--and her budding romance with Tom--begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But then will it be too late for her and Tom?</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></b>&nbsp;<i>Blind Trust</i>&nbsp;is the second book in the Port Aster series and, in my opinion, does not stand alone. This book leaves some major questions unanswered, obviously in anticipation of the next book in the series. The novel is full of danger, intrigue, and twists. Without giving away spoilers, I have to admit being frustrated and disappointed in the characters and their choices at times. &nbsp;This book read more like a romantic suspense than a mystery. And who knew nutmeg could be so dangerous?<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4%2Bstars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I recommend this book to those who have read the first book in the Port Aster series.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-91328935817976606262014-07-28T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-08T10:31:34.637-04:00Book Review: Love Comes Home by Ann Gabhart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800721855.jpg?1395943887" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800721855.jpg?1395943887" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">When the flush of victory fades, there remains a winding road to an uncertain future.</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">World War II is finally over and the people of Rosey Corner are joyfully welcoming the boys home. The Merritt sisters in particular are looking toward the future. Kate is eager to start a family and live out her dream of happily ever after with Jay. Evangeline craves a beautiful house and encourages Mike to pastor a big-town church. Victoria wants what can never be. And Lorena is growing up and wondering more and more about her birth family.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Each sister must learn to hold her plans with a loose hand, trusting that God will guide and strengthen them as they share the joys and sorrows of life in their little corner of the world.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My&nbsp;Review:</span></b>&nbsp;I cried! After watching the Merritt sister grow up in the pervious two books of the Rosey Corners series, I feel like I know these girls. Now, the war has ended and the boys come home - well most of them. This book touched me in a deep way. Tears came to my eyes more than once during the reading of this novel. I would strongly suggest having a box of tissues ready before diving into this drama. Gabhart's story is easy to read and the characters live on in my mind. I do hope that there is another book in this series.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4+stars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4+stars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b>&nbsp;I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction who enjoy stories in the WWII era. I would suggest reading the first two books in the series first (<i><a href="http://willblog4books.blogspot.ca/2011/03/book-review-angel-sister-by-ann-h.html">Angel Sister</a></i> and <i><a href="http://willblog4books.blogspot.ca/2013/07/book-review-small-town-girl-by-ann-h.html">Small Town Girl</a></i>).<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-83731926365357284532014-07-22T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-05T14:52:02.450-04:00Book Review: Captured by Love by Jody Hedlund<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764210495.jpg?1396972859" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764210495.jpg?1396972859" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">Michigan Territory, 1814</span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #073763;">A voyageur and a young woman swept up in a time of upheaval and danger&nbsp;discover firsthand the high price of freedom.</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">The British Army has taken control of Michilimackinac Island and its fort, forcing the Americans to swear an oath of loyalty to the crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a fur trader who returns after being away from the island for years, only to find the family farm a shambles and those he cares about starving and at the mercy of British invaders.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Torn between the adventurous life of fur trading and guilt over neglecting his defenseless mother, Pierre is drawn deeper into the fight against the British--and into a relationship with Angelique MacKenzie, a childhood friend who's grown into a beautiful woman. She now finds herself trapped by the circumstances of war and poverty, and the cruelty of her guardian, Ebenezer Whiley.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">As tensions mount and the violence rages on, Pierre and Angelique must decide where their loyalties rest and how much they'll risk for love.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></b>&nbsp;Reading Hedlund's fiction is like stepping right into the past. As a Michigan born girl, I enjoy Hedlund's novels due to their connection with my home state. The premise of <i>Captured by Love</i>&nbsp;drew my attention. Like many of my fellow Michiganders, I have been to Mackinac Island many times. I've visited the fort on the hill and peered into the Black Hole. I loved the way this novel brought the history of the island to life. After reading this book, I want to visit the island again and relive this tale. I am very interested in reading Jody's next series about the Michigan light houses.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4+stars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4+stars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b>&nbsp;I recommend this book to fans of Jody Hedlund and readers of historical fiction.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-48278874380373780012014-06-24T00:00:00.000-04:002014-07-31T09:58:12.153-04:00Book Review: A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800722180.jpg?1392306046" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800722180.jpg?1392306046" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">She could cross an ocean, but could she ever win his heart?</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Left at the altar and disgraced in her small hamlet, she is being pressured to marry the eligible son of the London milliner. Puritan Barnabas Horton still grieves the loss of his beloved wife, but he knows his two young sons need a mother.</span> <br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">With tender hearts, Mary and Barnabas take a leap of faith and wed. But when Barnabas's secret plans to move his family to the New World to escape persecution come to light, Mary's world is upended. How could she possibly leave her papa and her dear sister?</span> <br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">And will she ever reach the secret places of her husband's broken heart?</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My&nbsp;Review:</span></b>&nbsp;I wanted to like this book. Rebecca DeMarino is a debut author and the premise of this story sounded interesting. Unfortunately the novel didn't click with me. I tried to like the characters, but they didn't resonate. The dialogue felt contrived. I understand that the 1600s were a different time and people then acted differently then they do now, however, as a modern reader I couldn't bring myself to care about what happened to the characters. I had nothing invested in the story. That being said, this story isn't a complete write-off. What I may not enjoy about the writing, others may find intriguing. This review reflects my opinion of the book, but you may feel completely different after you read it.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faHNixnnrV0/TKuBJ9_q8zI/AAAAAAAAAyI/uMVwlH7XalQ/s1600/2+stars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faHNixnnrV0/TKuBJ9_q8zI/AAAAAAAAAyI/uMVwlH7XalQ/s1600/2+stars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> This book may appeal to readers who enjoy fiction about the Puritans.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-62992777255147635952014-06-17T00:00:00.000-04:002014-07-30T14:34:32.547-04:00Book Review: Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764209673.jpg?1395943608" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764209673.jpg?1395943608" height="200" width="128" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">When love simmers between a reclusive scientist and a wealthy debutante, will they abandon ship or is it full steam ahead?</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston, Texas, to find her father deathly ill. Though she loves him, Nicole's father has always focused on what she's not. Not male. Not married. Not able to run Renard Shipping.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Vowing to find a suitable husband to give her father the heir he desires before it's too late, Nicole sets out with the Renard family's greatest treasure as her dowry: the highly coveted Lafitte Dagger. But her father's rivals come after the dagger, forcing a change in Nicole's plans.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">After a boiler explosion aboard the Louisiana nearly took his life, Darius Thornton has been a man obsessed. He will do anything to stop even one more steamship disaster. Even if it means letting a female secretary into his secluded world.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Nicole is determined not to let her odd employer scare her off with his explosive experiments, yet when respect and mutual attraction grow between them, a new fear arises. How can she acquire an heir for her father when her heart belongs to another? And when her father's rivals discover her hiding place, will she have to choose between that love and her family's legacy?</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My&nbsp;Review:</span></b> Karen Witemeyer is my go-to author for historical romance. I love her novels and <i>Full Steam Ahead</i>&nbsp;is a great example. Witemeyer's characters are wonderfully complex and believably flawed. Where else will you find a knife throwing debutant working for a reclusive scientist haunted by nightmares? The chemistry between the two leaves little doubt on what they feel for each other, but both have other concerns that keep their hearts in check. I devoured this novel in a single day (not an easy feat as a mother of a two-year-old bent on world domination). I love the little surprises that pop up in the pages. Just when I think I have the characters figured out, they do something unexpected (but completely believable.) I can not wait for Witemeyer's next book to come out.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5+stars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5+stars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I highly recommend this book to readers of historical romance.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-77352650283100535562014-05-20T15:11:00.000-04:002014-07-25T16:32:34.795-04:00Book Review: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800722678.jpg?1397750583" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800722678.jpg?1397750583" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back Cover:</span></b> <span style="color: #073763;">Independent single mom Claire Summers is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Workaholic Keith Watson is interested only in the bottom line--until a letter from Claire's eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk and changes everything.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">As the executive assistant to a philanthropic businessman, Keith is used to fielding requests for donations. But the girl isn't asking for money. She wants help finding the long-lost son of a neighbor. As Keith reluctantly digs into this assignment in his usual results-oriented style, he has no idea how involved he and Claire will become--nor how unusual the results will actually be. Who could have guessed that a child's kindhearted request would bring love and hope to so many lives . . . including his own?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers this tenderhearted story that demonstrates how life is like lilacs--the biggest blooms come only after the harshest winters.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></b>&nbsp;Irene Hannon is one of my favorite authors. Since my first introduction to her in 2011, I have impatiently waited for each new novel's publication. I thoroughly love her romantic suspense novels (and can't wait for October when <a href="http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/deceived/338200">Deceived</a> releases), &nbsp;I also find her contemporary novels enjoyable. <i>One Perfect Spring</i>&nbsp;is no exception. In this novel, Hannon interweaves the lives of two independent women with two men with baggage from the past - all because of a letter sent by a young girl. It's a novel of forgiveness, second chances, and hope for the future. I rooted for the characters, especially the young executive who I didn't really like at the beginning of the book. This character's change over the course of the book kept me turning the pages. One thing I like about Irene Hannon's books is the subtle twists she gives in the story line. Many novels, it is easy to predict what will happen just by reading the first few chapters. Not so with Hannon's novels. If you haven't read her work, I highly recommend you give her novels a try.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4+stars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0KCe-dv0YA/TI7HKFbXpMI/AAAAAAAAAys/37j2PVulc80/s1600/4+stars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I recommend this book to readers of contemporary Christian romance.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-42313757073608508712014-04-28T00:00:00.000-04:002014-04-28T00:00:02.586-04:00Book Review: For Such a Time by Kate Breslin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764211607.jpg?1391184724" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780764211607.jpg?1391184724" height="200" width="131" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">Powerful Retelling of the Story of Esther</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">In 1944, blonde and blue-eyed Jewess Hadassah Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to be handed over to a new enemy. Pressed into service by SS-Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, she is able to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller. However, in order to survive and maintain her cover as Aric's secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own people are sent to Auschwitz.</span> <br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths and sympathies, Stella cautiously appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's compassion gives her hope, and she finds herself battling a growing attraction for this man she knows she should despise as an enemy. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Stella pours herself into her efforts to keep even some of the camp's prisoners safe, but she risks the revelation of her true identity with every attempt. When her bravery brings her to the point of the ultimate sacrifice, she has only her faith to lean upon. Perhaps God has placed her there for such a time as this, but how can she save her people when she is unable to save herself?</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My&nbsp;Review:</span></b>&nbsp;This novel gripped me in a way that I did not expect. I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of the story of Esther - on of my favorite characters in the Bible. Often, retellings stay so close to the Biblical account that they are completely predictable, but this story kept me flipping pages. I feared for the characters. I had to know what was going to happen to them. The plight of the Jews during WWII has had a profound impact on my understanding of that war. I think Breslin did an excellent job showing what life was like for them and the difficult decisions that the leaders of the ghettos were forced to make. Honestly, I wish that the events in this novel were true, instead of fiction. I don't want to give away the end of the story, but I wish there had been an Aric von Schmidt leading a transit camp. This novel is powerful, and I am sure to be thinking about this book for a long time to come.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5+stars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU4L72YBSY/TH_ROIDDrWI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/C0kHvWNbGlc/s1600/5+stars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation: </span></b>I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction, especially those who enjoy stories set during WWII.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6596648083362661847.post-6742320057351510652014-04-23T00:00:00.000-04:002014-04-23T00:00:04.426-04:00Book Review: What Follows After by Dan Walsh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800721206.jpg?1390221316" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/listing/9780800721206.jpg?1390221316" height="200" width="129" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back Cover:</span></b> <b><span style="color: #073763;">In 1962, life was simple, the world made sense, and all families were happy.And when they weren't, everyone knew you were supposed to pretend.</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">For the past year, Scott and Gina Harrison have been living a lie. While they show up at family get-togethers in the same car, they've actually been separated for over a year. To keep up the charade, they've even instructed their sons, Colt and Timmy, to lie--to their grandparents, their teachers, and their friends.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">Colt, for one, has had enough, so he hatches a plan. He and his little brother will run away from their Florida home, head for their aunt's house in Georgia, and refuse to come home until their parents get back together. But when things go terribly, terribly wrong, Scott and Gina must come to grips with years of neglect and mistrust in order to recover their beloved sons, their love for one another, and their marriage.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #073763;">In this emotional story, bestselling author Dan Walsh takes you on a journey to rediscover the things that matter most in life--love, truth, and family. With profound insight into the heart of a hurting child, he reminds us that a time will come to look back on hard times and smile, because we'll know that what follows after . . . is not what we expected at all.</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Review:</span></b>&nbsp;It's 1962 and the Cuban Missile Crisis is in the forefront of everyone's mind. Everyone except a little boy locked in a dark closet. As a parent, the events of <i>What Follows After</i>&nbsp;were chilling. I can't imagine the heartache of having my child run away and then get kidnapped. Walsh paints a vivid picture of the heartache these people experience through their ordeal. He takes the reader on an emotional ride that will keep you flipping pages. This book is not my favorite Dan Walsh book, but it does rank highly. It is hard not to notice the counseling influence of Gary Smalley, even though he is not a co-author on this novel. There are scenes reminiscent of <i>The Dance</i>, as the lead male realizes his failings as a father and husband.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Rating:</span></b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VB0Ne85DZmA/TH_R0qhWtvI/AAAAAAAAA0c/k0uqZvNaSo0/s1600/5+stars.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VB0Ne85DZmA/TH_R0qhWtvI/AAAAAAAAA0c/k0uqZvNaSo0/s1600/5+stars.gif" /></a><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Recommendation:</span></b> I highly recommend this book to readers of christian fiction and fans of Dan Walsh.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2